"END TIMES: BEGINNING OF A NEW WORLD ORDER"
First Reading: Daniel 22: 1-3
Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 11-14
Gospel Reading: Mark 13: 24-32
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Daniel. This passage describes in detail the revelations of Daniel regarding the end of time. It foretells great upheavals and disasters which will happen in the world. But these signs will be followed by a new and everlasting existence. Hence the passage points to a belief in the resurrection of the dead.
* Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. This passage explains to us that priests of the Old Testament offered sacrifices which could not take away sins. On the other hand the supreme sacrifice offered by Christ is superior to all the other sacrifices performed in the Old Testament. Because Christ through a single sacrifice has taken away all our sins.
"Final days to come"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. This passage too gives us some indications of the end of the present world. Jesus speaks of a time of destruction, terror, troubles and persecutions. People will be betrayed and handed over to the authorities. There will be wars and earthquakes and famines. Then there will be cosmic upheavals. The Sun, the Moon and the stars will lose their normal courses and appearances. After these series of disasters finally there will be good news. Jesus looks beyond the time of distresses to a final time when the Son of man will gather the elect. He sees beyond the sufferings and persecutions to a future of peace with God.
To explain His future vision, Jesus uses the imagery of the fig tree which sheds its leaves annually. At that time its stark spiky twigs make it look quite dead until new life comes in autumn. Jesus used this imagery to explain the new life that will be manifested when He comes in glory.
We need to have deep faith and courage to face times of distress, sufferings and pain and to look forward to a new life in the Lord.
Six signs are given by Jesus to indicate the end of the age as in Matthew's Gospel.
1. False prophets, Mt. 24:5 2. Wars, Mt. 24:6-7 3. Famines , Mt. 24:7 4. Earthquakes , Mt.24: 7 5. Tribulations, Mt. 24:8-9
6. Gospel being preached throughout the world Mt. 24:14
First Reading: Daniel 22: 1-3
Second Reading: Hebrews 10: 11-14
Gospel Reading: Mark 13: 24-32
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Daniel. This passage describes in detail the revelations of Daniel regarding the end of time. It foretells great upheavals and disasters which will happen in the world. But these signs will be followed by a new and everlasting existence. Hence the passage points to a belief in the resurrection of the dead.
* Second reading is from the letter to the Hebrews. This passage explains to us that priests of the Old Testament offered sacrifices which could not take away sins. On the other hand the supreme sacrifice offered by Christ is superior to all the other sacrifices performed in the Old Testament. Because Christ through a single sacrifice has taken away all our sins.
"Final days to come"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. This passage too gives us some indications of the end of the present world. Jesus speaks of a time of destruction, terror, troubles and persecutions. People will be betrayed and handed over to the authorities. There will be wars and earthquakes and famines. Then there will be cosmic upheavals. The Sun, the Moon and the stars will lose their normal courses and appearances. After these series of disasters finally there will be good news. Jesus looks beyond the time of distresses to a final time when the Son of man will gather the elect. He sees beyond the sufferings and persecutions to a future of peace with God.
To explain His future vision, Jesus uses the imagery of the fig tree which sheds its leaves annually. At that time its stark spiky twigs make it look quite dead until new life comes in autumn. Jesus used this imagery to explain the new life that will be manifested when He comes in glory.
We need to have deep faith and courage to face times of distress, sufferings and pain and to look forward to a new life in the Lord.
Six signs are given by Jesus to indicate the end of the age as in Matthew's Gospel.
1. False prophets, Mt. 24:5 2. Wars, Mt. 24:6-7 3. Famines , Mt. 24:7 4. Earthquakes , Mt.24: 7 5. Tribulations, Mt. 24:8-9
6. Gospel being preached throughout the world Mt. 24:14
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